Comparison

Screens 5 vs Game Shell

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Screens 5

Access and control your Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi computers remotely from any device. Enjoy fast, secure connections with features like privacy masking, multi-display support, and file transfer.

Highlights
  • Remote computer access
  • Secure connections
  • Multi-display support
  • Clipboard sharing
  • File transfer
  • Privacy masking (Curtain Mode)
Features
Read full description

Access your computers from anywhere. Screens lets you remotely access your Mac, Windows PC, Linux PC, or Raspberry Pi from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Vision Pro. Whether you’re connecting to a remote workstation, a headless Mac mini, or helping friends and family, Screens delivers fast, secure, and reliable remote desktop access wherever you are. REMOTE ACCESS FROM ANYWHERE Remote access is built right into Screens on Mac. For older Macs and Windows PCs, install Screens Connect to easily set up remote access over the internet. Need to connect to Linux or Raspberry Pi? Screens also integrates with Tailscale for secure, hassle-free connections. FAST, SECURE REMOTE DESKTOP ACCESS Screens is optimized for responsive remote control with support for: • Curtain Mode for private remote sessions on Mac • SSH connections and SSH keys • Secure password storage and quick logins • Observe or control remote computers • Adaptive and Full display quality BUILT FOR MODERN REMOTE WORKFLOWS Use Screens to: • Access remote Macs, PCs, Linux systems, and Raspberry Pi devices • Connect to headless Mac mini setups and remote workstations • Monitor long-running tasks from anywhere • Help friends, family, or coworkers remotely • Access your computers while traveling or away from home DO MORE WITH SCREENS Take advantage of powerful system features across iPhone and iPad: • Connect using Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight • Quickly connect to saved computers from widgets • Use external keyboards, mice, and trackpads • Use Apple Pencil on iPad • Display your remote computer on an external display with AirPlay POWERFUL FEATURES • Multi-display support • Clipboard sharing • File transfer between iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro and Mac • Customizable connection settings for individual computers • Dictation support for remote text input • Session selection on Mac • iCloud synchronization • Full URL Schemes support • Touch ID, Face ID, Apple Watch, and password protection COMPATIBILITY • Connect from iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro • Connect to Mac, Windows PC, Linux PC, and Raspberry Pi • Screens Connect is built into Screens for Mac on macOS 14.6 or later • Standalone Screens Connect is available for Macs running macOS 10.13 or later and PCs running Windows 10 or later • Clipboard sharing on Windows and Linux supports text only • Sound transmission is not supported due to VNC protocol limitations • Screens does not support connections to iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro devices Screens gives you secure, reliable access to your computers anytime, anywhere. Privacy Policy: https://screens.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://screens.app/terms

About

Game Shell

Features
Read full description

Game Shell Companion turns your iPhone or iPad into a powerful remote for the Game Shell Mac app. Connect to your Mac, browse your game library, move through menus, view game artwork, and launch apps directly from your device. In portrait mode, Companion works like a clean remote control. In landscape mode, it mirrors the Game Shell experience with a card-based interface built for smooth scrolling and quick navigation. Perfect for couch gaming, handheld control, media setups, and anyone who wants a fast way to manage and launch their Mac game library. Features: Connect to the Game Shell Mac app over your local network Browse game menus and categories from iPhone or iPad Launch games and apps on your Mac Landscape mirror-style interface Portrait remote-control mode Smooth card scrolling Game artwork and menu previews Pairing support for safer local control Works with saved Mac connections for faster reconnecting Game Shell Companion is designed for users who want a simple, console-like way to control their Mac game launcher from anywhere nearby.

Screenshots

Screens 54 screens
Game Shell4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Game Shell at none against Screens 5's 6. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Screens 5 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Game Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Screens 5 versus Game Shell: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScreens 5Game Shell
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (584 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews48.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings584 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size70 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdovia Inc.Elliot Williams

Bugs and requests

Screens 5

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inability to delete auto-saved nearby devices
  • Inconsistent behavior when editing device configurations
  • Screens Connect failing to work reliably

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to block remote input while keeping remote desktop visible
  • File transfer between Mac and iOS/iPadOS
  • Upgrade pricing for existing users

Game Shell

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Screens 5

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$29.491 Year
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Family UpgradeFree
  • Lifetime2 variants$199.99
None

Game Shell

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Screens 5 free?
Screens 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Game Shell free?
Game Shell is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Screens 5 or Game Shell have ads?
Neither Screens 5 nor Game Shell shows ads.

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